Yutan council advances utility-rate changes with phased senior discount

The Yutan City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 819 on utility rates on Feb. 17, adopting a phased senior-discount schedule with 6-, 12- and 18-month options for implementing rate changes.

Councilmember Smith presented the council with a breakdown of the current utility costs and the proposed phased approaches to a senior discount. Administrator Oliva and other councilmembers discussed the pacing of the increase. Mayor Matt Thompson, who joined the meeting at 7:09 p.m., said he preferred completing the adjustment within a year but emphasized that residents should receive advance notice before new rates take effect. Council President Schimenti and others weighed shorter and longer phase-in options; the council agreed to present the ordinance for reader consideration with the 6/12/18-month phase alternatives.

The council opened a public hearing at 7:33 p.m.; no members of the public spoke. On a motion by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Lawton, the council voted unanimously to approve the second reading with the amended phase options.

The ordinance change as approved on second reading instructs staff to prepare the final ordinance language reflecting the chosen phase options and to provide public notice in advance of any rate increase. City Clerk Brandy Bolter said finalized utility-rate information will be added to utility bills after the ordinance is finalized so that residents receive accurate details with their statements.

Next steps include final ordinance preparation and a subsequent reading or adoption step required by the city’s ordinance process before new rates take effect.